Moving Forward with Mia and Julia

Season 2, Episode 9: Darnell Lamont Walker on Being a Death Doula 29.05.2026 49分

Darnell Lamont Walker is a successful writer for children's tv, an adventure seeker and the author of Never Can Say Goodbye. Since childhood, Darnell has helped others who are at the end of their lives and became a death doula to continue to support them. You can learn all about Darnell's speaking engagements, work, and how to contact him at https://www.darnellwalker.com/.

Season 2, Episode 8: Racquel Hill on Grieving through Infertility and Miscarriage 08.05.2026 54分

We know from your questions and comments that our first episode and discussing the grief that comes with infertility was something you wanted to hear more about, so we welcome Racquel Hill, who shared her own journey through infertility, multiple miscarriages, and grieving through each step of that process. Her story is one of resilience and hope. Keep sharing the topics that would be beneficial for you. We love bringing you authentic stories.

Season 2, Episode 7: Jennifer Chase on Being a Truthteller 24.04.2026 46分

Jennifer Chase is a survivor of generational trauma, sexual assault and addiction. Her story and telling it has enabled her to help others. You can find more about her and set up time to connect wit her at www.riseaddictionlc.com.

Season 2, Episode 6: Dr. Dale Atkins on Positive Legacies and the Loss of a Grandparent 20.03.2026 42分

Dr. Dale Atkins is a psychologist and a relationship expert with 40 years experience. She is based out of New York City and also is a writer of many popular books. Most recently, she penned our new favorite children's book, The Turquoise Butterfly which delves into the important relationship between a grandparent and grandchild and the impact that grandparents leave. For more information about Dale, please visit www.drdaleatkins.com.

Season 2, Episode 5: John Dedakis on Loss & Writing based on Lived Experiences 06.03.2026 38分

John Dedakis is an award-winning novelist, a writing coach, and a manuscript editor and public speaker, as well as a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" and a former White House Correspondent.John is also a bereaved parent and has had numerous losses in his life that has shaped his writing and speaking today. You can learn more about John, his books, and upcoming events and workshops at https://johndedakis.com/.

Season 2, Episode 4: The Healing Power of the Arts with Kira Lace Hawkins and Sam Engle of The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts 20.02.2026 46分

We know that art, theater, and music have the power to make change in so many ways. That's why we invited Kira Lace Hawkins, the Outreach and Education Director for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, and Sam Engle, who serves as the theater's Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator. To learn more about Kira and Sam, visit https://wagonwheelcenter.org/about/staff-and-board/. For more information about the Wagon Wheel, you can find everything at wagonwheelcenter.org and find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Season 2, Episode 4: Avonley Lightstone on Faith through Darkness 30.01.2026 48分

Avonley Lightstone is the author of Strength of Scars, a raw and redemptive autobiography that takes readers through a childhood marked by tragedy, trauma, and abuse — and the unwavering faith that helped her rise from it all. At just three years old, she tried to save her mother from a house fire. Tragically, her mother didn’t survive, and shortly after, her father placed her up for adoption.What followed was a journey through emotional, physical, and mental abuse — but also a path toward healing, resilience, and forgiveness. Through her book, her speaking, and her bold transparency, Avonley helps others find beauty in brokenness and strength through their scars.She’s here today to share her powerful testimony, how God carried her through the darkest valleys, and how listeners can find freedom and purpose — no matter what they’ve been through. You can learn more about Avonley and get a copy of her book at https://avonleylightstone.com.

Episode 3: Catherine Newman on Writing about Grief from Experience 23.01.2026 30分

Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp (co-authored with Nicole Blum), the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck . She writes the Substack newsletter Crone Sandwich and has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. For more information and to buy her books, visit https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com.

Season 2, Episode 2: Stephen Kemp, From Academic to Funeral Director 16.01.2026 45分

NFDA.org Spokesperson, Stephen R. Kemp, CFSP, is the owner of Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. His professional journey began in scientific research, working as a research associate at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, VA Medical Center, and Biosan Laboratories. Transitioning to funeral service, Stephen earned his mortuary science degree from Wayne State University and has since dedicated his career to serving families with compassion and professionalism.At the national level, Stephen represented Michigan on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Policy Board and served as an at-large representative on the NFDA Board of Directors. His national service also includes work on the Professional Development and Advocacy Committees and the Environmental Workgroup. Stephen’s expertise has been recognized through invitations to lead workshops on embalming and risk management at the NFDA International Convention & Expo.Stephen has played a significant leadership role within the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA), serving on numerous committees and the association’s board of directors. Notably, he made history as the first African-American president in MFDA’s 125-year history, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering inclusivity. In addition to his leadership in Michigan, Stephen has contributed to funeral service education as an instructor and clinical preceptor at Wayne State University, mentoring the next generation of funeral professionals. Learn more about funeral homes like Stephen's at https://www.rememberingalife.com/.

Season 2, Episode 1: Leslie Weirich on Turning Grief into Advocacy 09.01.2026 52分

Leslie has lost many loved ones, including two babies in infancy. When her twenty year old son, Austin, died in 2016, she began to speak out suicide prevention and awareness. Leslie's story continues to impact and inspire many and we know that her story has something that we can all learn from. For more about Leslie and her work, visit https://leslieshope.org/.

Episode 45: Keith Sampson on Growing Through It 19.12.2025 48分

Keith Sampson believes that business is the greatest untapped vertical for personal purpose and fulfillment. For over 20 years, he has been helping people and organizations choose to grow through life instead of choosing to go through life, unlocking their potential, building culture, and inspiring action.At the age of 19, Keith experienced a life-changing moment that shaped his life, laying the foundation of his mission: to change the world through business, one person at a time. That moment fueled his passion for leadership, sales, and culture, and continues to guide every stage, session, and conversation he leads today.You can learn more about Keith and his work at https://iamkeithsampson.com/.

Episode 44: Laura Bratton on Grief and Gratitude 12.12.2025 39分

At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight. She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challenges and obstacles with grit and gratitude.

Episode 43: Rick and Clancy Denton on Grieving when you're an Empty Nester 05.12.2025 34分

Rick and Clancy Denton of The Loud Quiet (https://www.theloudquiet.com/) joined us today to talk about the good, the bad, and the sad that happens when your children move out. The two started their podcast, "The Loud Quiet-Empty Nest Living" when their youngest went to college. You can listen wherever you get your podcast. Watch out for their book in 2026!

Episode 42: Susan Shaw, The Bereavement Mom 20.11.2025 35分

Susan Shaw is a writer, speaker, and a mother who is learning to live following the profound loss of her son, William, who died in a ski accident in 2019. Susan shares her story, writing prompts, and resources and tips to move forward following loss on https://www.bereavementmom.com/. She also supports families who are grieving through https://www.williamsbeyourselfchallenge.org/.

Episode 41: Ellen O'Clover on Grief in a Fiction and Romance Novel 14.11.2025 51分

Ellen O’Clover writes stories about love, identity, and belonging for both teens and adults. Her debut romance, The Heartbreak Hotel, was a Book of the Month selection and a regional indie bestseller. Her debut young adult novel, Seven Percent of Ro Devereux, was named a Best Book of the Year by The Bank Street Center for Children’s Education and a finalist for both the Colorado Book Award and the Florida Sunshine Young Readers Award. Ellen lives near Boulder, Colorado with her rocket scientist husband and two perfect bulldogs. Read more about her and get signed copies of her books at ellenoclover.com.

Episode 40: Jane Dye on Healing as a Bereaved Parent 07.11.2025 36分

Jane is a highly experienced and trained professional nurse, holistic health coach, health and wellness advocate, grief educator, speaker, and workshop presenter. As a master facilitator of lifestyle change, Jane knows that certain approaches and techniques bring about the changes people want and need to feel healthy and whole. This perspective and practices come directly from integrating her professional and personal life as Jane has experienced health challenges throughout her life and most recently as a bereaved parent after her middle son died 2 years ago. These experiences along with her educational experiences have created methods and techniques she now shares with her clients and her audiences. If you are looking for a proven presenter who will connect with and engage your audience—all while educating them around how to find ways to move forward in their life with greater health, compassion, and meaningful experiences everyday - you’ve come to the right place.

Episode 39: Malisa Hepner on CPTSD and Grief 24.10.2025 40分

Malisa Hepner is a therapist, podcast host, and public speaker who helps people quiet the noise of trauma, reconnect with themselves, and embody the light. She’s the host of Emotionally Unavailable and one of the hosts of Unquiet Soul, two shows that open space for deep, real, and transformative conversations. Malisa is also the creator of healing workbooks like Safe to Be Seen and The Beauty of Imperfection: Good Is Enough. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her lived experience as a survivor of complex PTSD, she’s passionate about helping people move beyond overthinking, perfectionism, and fear of visibility to live more grounded, authentic, and joyful lives.

Episode 38: Kanika Vasudeva on Energy Expansion and Grieving 17.10.2025 32分

Kanika is a Radiant Empowerment Coach and Akashic Records Reader. She guides spiritual entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who are ready for more—more radiance, more freedom, more soul. Kanika helps clients break through invisible ceilings, awaken their unique gifts, and step into a new level of clarity, self-trust, and authentic leadership. Through her work, clients move into joy in everyday living, where inspired action flows naturally, opportunities align with purpose, and their voice and presence are finally seen and valued in their field.

Episode 37: Nicholas Ruchlewicz on Moving Forward following a Brain Injury 10.10.2025 27分

Nicholas Ruchlewicz was in a single vehicle motorcycle crash on March 15, 2016, and suffered a separated pelvic circle, broken Sacro-iliac, crushed left orbital, massive concussion, and a right-side brain bleed and hematoma. He was in ICU, for 2 weeks, non-cognizant, then in an acute rehab hospital for 2 weeks, learning how to focus, move his left side, and see.His trauma and brain injury have allowed him to become an advocate, he calls it “A Gift of Perspective”. He is very vocal about his mental health, and advocates for males, and others for mental wellness. He is a volunteer for https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/, a Peer Mentor” at an Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as a political advocate for accessible mental health and support. He believes we all have emotions, and its “Okay to not be OK”. He has done a lot of work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) before his trauma, and that is a reason, he believes, he is “still here.” He believes that, "Our minds can be dark, and it's important to look at the corners for the light. Life is a 4-letter word, it depends on how you use it.”

Episode 36: Angie Hawkins on Running in Slippers 03.10.2025 31分

Angie Hawkins is an Inner Glow Coach who transforms high-achieving, spiritual women from chasing love and approval to radiating fierce confidence so they can finally feel happy, free, and loved for who they are.She works with women who’ve done therapy, read the books, tried the spiritual path, but still feel like something’s missing. Through deep inner work and identity transformation, she helps them break the cycle of not feeling “enough,” so they can experience real love, confidence, and peace without having to change who they are.She is the author of Running in Slippers, a raw and vulnerable memoir about finding resilience after emotional rock bottom.Angie has moved from Chicago to Hawaii on her own, jumped out of a helicopter and into the ocean Navy SEAL-style, bungee jumped, skydived, and cliff jumped, yet is still terrified about allowing herself to be seen.